Saturday, 2 February 2008

How to install an HP ScanJet 2200c scanner on Windows Vista

In its questionable wisdom, HP has decided not to support some of its older scanning hardware for Windows Vista. Here's what it says on its website:

"We are sorry to inform you that there will be no Windows Vista support available for your HP product. Therefore your product will not work with Windows Vista.

If you are using the Windows Vista operating system on your computer, please consider upgrading to a newer HP product that is supported on Windows Vista. HP has numerous products on the market that support Windows Vista."

It's clearly a commercial - rather than an environmental or customer service - decision. I bought my scanner - see picture above - in the summer of 2002 and it was still working perfectly on Windows XP. HP would clearly prefer their customers to buy a new Vista-supported scanner.

Anyway, there shouldn't be any need. It is possible to install an HP ScanJet 2200c scanner on Windows Vista using Vista's compatibility settings. Here's how (my solution is based on this post on iP3K, to whom much thanks):

Right-click on the file you have just dowloaded (by default named sj646en.exe) and select Properties and then the Compatibility tab.

Check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for: and then select Windows XP (Service Pack 2) from the drop-down menu. Click OK.

Double-click on the file named sj646en.exe to install the scanner software and drivers. You may see a Security Warning dialogue warning you that the publisher could not be verified. The file comes from the HP website, so it is safe. Click Run. You may then see a WinZip Self-Extractor dialogue. Take note of the folder that it is being unzipped to i.e. the default location is c:\sj646. Then click Unzip. The Setup program should start automatically. Make sure you exit all Windows programs before proceeding with the Setup program. Proceed through the series of dialogues to install the program.

Once it has finished installing, go to the folder in which it was installed i.e. the default location is C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP PrecisionScan\PrecisionScan LTX (unless you changed it during the installation process) and sort the contents of that folder by type (this will be easier if you are using the Details setting in Views).

There should be 9 Application (.exe) files:

hpgreg.exe

hpipcopy.exe

hppsapp.exe

hpsjrreg.exe

pietro.exe

regipe.exe

sendAOL.exe

sendMapi.exe

SendTo.exe.

Repeat step 3 and 4 for each of these files i.e. set their compatibility mode to Windows XP (Service Pack 2).

Now plug in your scanner. Windows Vista should recognize the hardware and use the drivers already installed.

The only problems I've found so far are that the scanner occasionally crashes, depending on how friendly Vista is feeling at that particular moment. Plus, the quick start buttons on the front of the scanner itself don't appear to work. But, on the whole, it works like a joy.
I was very disappointed with HP's (lack of) support policy. Even though I'm very happy with the product itself (and my HP LaserJet 1000 series printer - see picture left - which does work on Windows Vista without any problems), I may take my custom elsewhere next time because of this unsustainable after-"care".

Thanks. Glad to be able to pass on useful information I had found elsewhere and save you throwing away a perfectly usable scanner. I have since been having problems with my scanner repeatedly and unpredictably crashing. If you experience similar problems or know how to avoid them, do let me know.

all was right till I ran the programm... the scanner doesn't react. I know you said that this could happen but... is it always like that?? I'm not sure.. please answer the comment! I need to scan!! >.<

Hi gserrano. It does that sometimes, I'm afraid (especially to me). I haven't found a solution yet. Try restarting your computer and unplugging the scanner. Then, when you try again, don't run any other programs except the scanner software. Sorry I can't be of any more help!

I'm sorry to those of you for whom these instructions don't work. I realize how frustrating it can be. I just wanted to share a solution that had worked for me (and appears to work for a number of others), but I wasn't promising a universal guarantee of success. There are so many variables with hardware configurations, operating systems, and computer literacy. If you can be more specific about problems you've been having following my instructions, I will try to help. Just commenting that it "doesn't work" doesn't give me anything to go on.

Hi,your solution worked perfectly here *until* I was stupid enough to try and use the Scanjet as a copier using one of the Scanjet's auxiliary programmes. Now the scanner gets stuck in some sort of endless "lamp warming up" loop whenever I try to start the HP Scanjet software.This has happened before. However, when I installed Vista SP1 my scanner suddenly worked again so clearly this must be some registry issue. Anyone have any ideas?

I'm running Windows Vista SP1 and it works for me (if it's in the mood). I still haven't figured out why it sometimes fails, though. It tends to work best when the system has just booted up and no other programs are running.

Hi I followed the instructions, but when I plugged my scanner back in a window popped up asking for the driver information (location) it is not finding it automatically & I did not want to take a chance and install the wrong driver. Need help to finish installing driver to my Vista w/SP1 for my 2200c scanner. Many thanks.....Dayle

This is in response to the anonymous comment on Thursday 30 October at 5.04pm:

I have done as you suggested and expanded step 5 to explain how to unzip the file. This experience might be slightly different for each user depending on their default system settings i.e. they may have another program set as their default file unzipper. It should be pretty straightforward and familiar if you've been using a PC and the internet regularly within the last 10 years. Hope that helps. Thanks for your input.

Sorry I haven't responded until now. Are you still having problems installing your scanner? Have you tried selecting C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP PrecisionScan\PrecisionScan LTX as the driver location (assuming you installed it in the default location - see step 6)? When I installed my scanner (as per the instructions) Windows Vista recognized the hardware and drivers automatically. I hope it works for you!

I'm sorry I can't help those who are having problems. The purpose of this post was just to pass on information that worked for me. I don't expect it will work for everyone as there are so many variables.

Wow! It works, I can hardly believe it! When I extracted the package, the content was not the same you wrote... but I used the procedure of set the compatibility mode to the Setup file. That´s all. I can use again the scanner with Vista.

I had my HP2200 scanner connected when i installed Vista, have set exes to run in compatibility mode but when i run the software, it will not find the scanner. Any help would be much appreciated as to how i can overcome this problem.

The only solution I have had results is using Vuescan. Surprisingly, after installing it, I can also use the usual interface of the HP Scanjet 2200 (before Vuescan, I had done what this blog wrote: install drivers in compatibility mode). Vuescan is commercial so you will have to buy the license or find serial...

I am running Vista Home Premium 64-bit... even though it does install and follow the instructions as you posted but it does not work. As soon as I power the scanner after I install the software/driver, it could not find the drivers for it.

I think there are two things different here:

1.) I installed the drivers from the original CD when you suppose to run the sj646en.exe (I don't think it makes a difference)

2.) Since I am running a 64-bit OS, there are no 64-bit drivers supported.

I'm sorry it hasn't worked for you. Please do try installing the drivers from the sj646en.exe file rather than the CD. I initially tried installing it from my CD and it didn't work. Please note that in steps 3-5 you need to run sj646en.exe in compatibility mode. That could be the difference. If you try that and there's still no joy, you may have to buy a new scanner. Good luck and let me know how you go!

I have followed carefully step by step the tutorial but, at the end Windows Vista doesn't recognize the hardware

I followed this tutorial and it works

1) Install the latest version of Vuescan (for Windows Vista)2)Go to the device manager in Vista (rightclick "Computer" then select"Magage" then "Device Manager". Rightclick on the Scanjet (it should bevisible when you plug in the USB cable for the scanner, but it will havean explanation mark) then select to update driver software. Point to thevuescan folder (e.g C:\Program Files\vuescan) It will find a driver andinstall. That's it. You can use the vuescan application which is prettygood, but make sure you purchase it when the trial runs out.

I had a chance to try it out about what you said about download the file and install it that way... I tried it again and it did not work... However I did tried to install it on my laptop that has Vista Basic. It did work and in addition to that... I only have to change the properties to Win XP on the file.

Overall, I do have to buy a scanner for my 64-bit OS PC but using the scanner with my laptop will buy me some time before I can get another scanner.

Conclusion... it is a hit and miss but I believe that the method will work on certain Vista versions and uses a 32-bit OS, however, by reading the other comments... does not work for everyone.

Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!Woweeeeee!! You are a wonder indeed!!I am a complete idiot when it comes to computers!!Your instructions worked like a charm!! Smooth sailing!! I can't thank you enough!! Thank you for saving my perfectly working HP Scanjet 2200c!!! I am really happy!!!!

@Cal: I'm sorry, I don't know what else to advise. Try uninstalling it completely (including the drivers) and follow the instructions again exactly. Sometimes it is temperamental. It doesn't always work for me. Try running the scan software for the first time after a restart when no other programs are running. These instructions are just what worked for me. They're not guaranteed to work for everyone since there are so many variables.

I have the same problem as Cal..."Sorry, scanner could not be initialized.""(Scanner not found)"I have the 64 bit version of Vista Home Premium. Could that be why it fails to work?. I noticed Al has problems with 64 bit OS also.

Hi there!Thanks so much for sharing your expertise in this matter! We had bought an Epson scanner to replace our perfectly fine HP scanner because HP wouldn't provide an updated driver to work with Vista. The new scanner was HORRIBLE, so decided to try your method. It worked! :-D JOY! This is on a Vista 32-bit machine. We agree tht HP is letting its customers down with their hard-nosed attitude; in fact, we refuse to buy any more HP products, not just scanners, but also printers etc. They have taken to "dirty tricks" in their printers/cartridges in recent years so that perfectly good ink cartridges can "expire" and not work--all too suggestive of CORPORATE GREED RUN AMOK! Will buy CANON and other brands instead.Many thanks again.

I don't get it! Mine still does not work on my vista & I followed the instructions VER BATIM! I still get a message that says, "Sorry scanner could not be initialized. (Scanner not found)"! What does that mean???? Please help me.

Hasn't worked yet for me. I have Vista 64 bit. Tried everything from trying to reinstall to rebooting...Nothing. Says that scanner could not be initialized when trying to open the scanner and when installing asks me to insert my disk which I did then says that the scanner is not supported. Any ideas for troubleshooting? I have also checked all the compatibility options.

I didn't follow the instructions. I don't see the files you say.I only have downloaded and installed the file (with scanner unplugged), then i plugged the scanner and it started working immediatly (on windows vista)

The HP 2200c works on Windows 7 x64 if using just the Vuescan software and its included driver. No special driver or Windows configuration required. Just install Vuescan, and it will automatically install its driver for the HP 2200c.

Does anybody know if Domheid's procedure work for HP Scanjet 3300C for Vista and win 7. I got my HP Scanjet 2200c to work with the procedure. Now I want to get the Scanjet 3300c to work on another computer

Thank you for this post puts HP to shame they could not help like this, my scanner works fine except i can not scan to adobe pdf any more, so will have to try what else i can scan my letter setc into so i can make copies of them. You rock.

This didn't work for me on Windows 7, even after uninstalling the scanner as soon as I plug it in it begins searching for the drivers and never works even if I try to install the XP drivers manually. Dont know if being 64bit vs 32bit is what's causing this.

I'm copying Jim's comment from here since he made it under the wrong post:

"jim said...

It looked like to much work as posted to get the scanjet 2200c to work. So I improvised by uninstalling it from my computer, installing XP Office and XP Plus then reinstalling and running on the 2003 compatability.Works Perfect.Even the XP add ons. Sunday, March 14, 2010 6:54:00 PM"

Windows 7 32-bit...Tried this procedure but it doesn't work.Crashes when "Warming up the lamp".Tried with Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) compatibility mode like Michel said, but it doesn't work either.Always crashes at "Warming up the lamp"...

i was reading ur post on the scanner to put it on vista i did everything comes on but wont scan it cant find drivers.Now the exe files u said to install i always get weird responses.I have tried the add hardware but it dont show drivers.I downloaded the drivers but they wont install.Please help.

i got it but i just went into the device manager hit prop then did the driver update finally it got the drivers.then i unplugged plugged back up workedhttp://www.ehow.com/how_5984172_install-old-scanner-vista.html

Thank You.Worked fine on Windows 7 (32bit). I tried the english drivers on a german OS and it worked fine (might as well with the german ones, but i didnt try/care). Just the system profile didnt make it, but i dont need that. :-)

I have an hp scanjet 2200C scanner and have tried to install it on my Windows XP. It says to unlock it. There is a place underneath it that shows a place to lock and unlock it but how do I do that? Is there a key to unlock it with? When I bought the scanner it was new and still in the box, but there is no key. If it takes a key, can you buy one for it? I'd like to be able to use it. Any help from anyone will be greatly appreciated.

@Anonymous (Sunday, June 06, 2010 9:08:00 PM): I suspect it is already unlocked. There's a green plastic key in it when it comes out of the box brand new. When you say, "It says to unlock it," what is "It": the instruction manual or an error message in Windows XP?

"For HP Scanjet 2200c scannerUnlock the scanner by removing the plastic key from the bottom of the scanner.1. Turn the scanner so the bottom is up.2. Turn the green key to the left 1/4 turn and remove it from the scanner.NOTE: Store the key in a safe place; it will be needed to re-lock the scanner if is transported."

The setup.exe program wouldn't start up for me. I tried using the Vuescan solution that was proposed in one of the comments and it worked well. I didn't even have to go into device manager to install the driver, it installed correctly as soon as vuescan was installed.

if anyone is wondering how to make it to work win vista/7 x64, the only way (at least one free) is with VMware player and creating a virtual machine with windows XP or older (with virtual pc doesn't work) and using the scanner inside it

I tried it as all of a sudden my 2200c stopped working on Vista. Probably picked up a Vista update. So it works - no problem.

I hate HP for doing this. Imagine I almost threw it away since the lamp and rotor felt like they were stuck.

HP could easily have supported Vista or at least provided the steps. But they bet against people being technical. I have seen people throw away good but old working hardware and software just because they were educated they needed to upgrade.

So i followed all above steps but i still cant get my computer to recognize my hp scanjet 2200c. What should i do? whenever i plug it in it says new device driver then asks me what i want it to do but it never is able to either a. "install hardware" and b. it isnt recognized...what should i do?

I'm running Vista Business and it worked OK. Based on user feedback on this page, I unpacked the zip file without running setup.exe, then changed setup.exe to also be Windows XP SP2 compatibility mode, then I ran setup.exe. Apart from that, I followed the instructions and my scanner works, so it won't end up in the landfill. Many thanks!

Well and Well these instruction worked like a charm, But I ended crashing my computer a while back, but when I went to fix it again the scanner didn't work on these instruction, same computer same scanner that worked before don't work now, when I click the desk top icon scanner opens a window pops up and says: Scanner Could not be initialized (Scanner not found)

I found this blog while seaching for an answer to the Scanner Could not be initialized (Scanner not found) problem with my 2100c scanner on HP. HP's own solutions for this involve a very thorouigh uninstall, cleanup and reinstall process, but I found a very simple solution by just running the small PrecisionScan LTX USB interface update on HP's support website:

All You Need To Do To Get HP Scanjet 2200C To Work With Windows 7 1 Download The sj646en.exe File ( Don't Unzip It )2 Right Click On The sj646en.exe File And Go To Properties and then the Compatibility tab.Click On It In There Set It To Windows 7 Then Hit OkNow Unzip It To Set It Up Ok